There was no question who the dominant player was in the NIU soccer team’s 2-0 win over Northwestern yesterday at Huskie Soccer Field.

NIU defender Dusty Showers won most of the loose balls and took away anything on the Huskies’ side of the field as the NIU defense dominated the Wildcats (0-5). The Huskies only allowed one shot on goal while managing eight.

Showers had an incentive for his inspired play against the physical Northwestern team yesterday. “I’ve been criticized by coach (Willy Roy) for not covering close enough, and sometimes for covering too closely,” Showers said. “I’ve had a slow start, and I wanted to step up my play a little more.”

“Dusty won a lot of the head balls,” Roy said. “That’s what we need from him.”

Showers credited freshman Jay Konrad for allowing him to work more freely. “I did it with a lot of help from Jay,” Showers said. “He steps up, and I cover the back.”

The Huskies, 2-1-1, scored early when John Lechner got his first goal of the season with a chip shot from the right side just 3:26 into the match. “I saw Per take the shot,” Lechner said. “And the ball popped up right to me.”

Then the NIU defense took over.

Northwestern coach Michael Kunert was more impressed with the Huskies’ offense. “They have some quick forwards, and the halfbacks who can bring the ball up for them,” Kunert said.

“Those halfbacks made some nice runs and feeds. That’s what makes them so dangerous.”

The Huskies’ corner kick plays proved deadly. For the second straight match, Konrad scored a goal off a corner kick. Lechner served the ball, Andy Lane headed the ball, and Konrad—from the left side—kicked a left-footed cross shot into the net with 32:19 left in the match.

“Jay did a nice job today defensively,” Roy said, “and scoring that goal.”